French Open: Lleyton Hewitt withdraws with injury

Hewitt is struggling to stay fit in the twilight of his career

Lleyton Hewitt has been forced to withdraw from the French Open because of an injury to his left ankle.

The 30-year-old Australian has been replaced in the draw by Frenchman Marc Gicquel, who will play Spain's Albert Montanes in the first round on Sunday.

Former world number one Hewitt has been increasingly troubled by injuries in recent years, chiefly hip problems.

He last not played an ATP World Tour match since March after undergoing surgery on his foot.

And fitness problems have again struck the man who enjoyed an 80-week stint at the top of the world rankings between 2001 and 2003.

The two-time Grand Slam winner - US Open champion in 2001 and Wimbledon winner in 2002 - is now ranked 61.

Hewitt's name is added to a list of absentees that includes Andy Roddick, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Tommy Robredo - all of whom pulled out of the tournament in recent days.